UPDATE: Melky doubtful for this series, plus more stern words for Sandoval

UPDATE: Manager Bruce Bochy has not spoken to Pablo Sandoval since his arrival from Fresno. They plan to talk. Their last conversation was not pleasant, but Bochy said to Panda’s credit he worked hard over the past week to lose some of the weight he has gained.

However, when reporters asked about Sandoval’s public acknowledgement that he needs to be more committed to his physical shape, Bochy had another stern response.

“There comes a time when you don’t want to hear it. You need action,” Bochy said. “It’s got to happen now, which has happened in the last week. It’s got to be consistent. It can’t be three or four days. It’s got to be for the season. He knows what he needs to do. He’s a vital part of the team.”

Bochy is determined not to let Sandoval wear down physically, due to his weight, to the point where his performance declines as it did in 2010.

On another note, Bochy said Sandoval is good to go right-handed.

Sandoval is batting third today (see the lineup below) and will stay there until Melky Cabrera returns, which is not likely before Tuesday’s series opener against Houston. This is Cabrera’s first hamstring injury and the medical and coaching staffs want to be very careful. Bochy didn’t say it, but I’m sure Matt Kemp is on their minds.

I talked to Cabrera in the clubhouse before batting practice. He said he feels much better today and thinks he could pinch-hit, which Bochy said could happen in a, well, pinch. But it makes sense to give him today and Sunday off ahead of a team off day Monday, making sure he’s good to go beyond that.

ORIGINAL POST: The Giants just optioned reliever Steve Edlefsen to Triple-A Fresno and recalled George Kontos, a right-hander whom the Giants acquired from the Yankees in the spring deal for catcher Chris Stewart.

Kontos turns 27 on Tuesday. He made his big-league debut with the Yanks last year, allowing two runs in six innings. He was ripping it up at Fresno, with a 1.71 ERA in 23 games.

Here is the Giants lineup to face Scott Feldman, the struggling Rangers starter who comes from Burlingame High by way of College of San Mateo: